Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Ventura

California
183

Hayward is 9% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,360/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 11%
$113,775/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 12%
$820,700 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 5%
$2,420/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 12%
159,201
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $13,368/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Ventura — common questions

Is Hayward or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Ventura?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Ventura?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $13,368/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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